Craven Cottage Chaos: Harrison Reed’s Stoppage-Time Volley Denies Liverpool

It was a match that defied rhythm, logic, and ultimately, Liverpool’s defensive resolve. In a stop-start encounter at Craven Cottage that stretched well beyond the 100-minute mark due to a medical emergency in the stands, Liverpool surrendered a stoppage-time lead to draw 2-2 with Fulham. The result halts the Reds' momentum, leaving them on 34 points and dangerously drifting in the Premier League title race.

The Curse of the Former Red

Before the late drama unfolded, the narrative belonged to Harry Wilson. The Welsh winger, who ended his 16-year association with Liverpool to join Fulham for £12 million in 2021, continues to be a thorn in his former club's side. In the 18th minute, Wilson capitalized on a loose ball in the half-space, rifling a shot past Alisson Becker. It was a goal born of Fulham’s high press, disrupting a Liverpool midfield that looked sluggish following the unexpected 15-minute delay prior to kickoff.

While Liverpool controlled 62% of possession in the first half, their output was sterile. They entered the break trailing, with an Expected Goals (xG) figure of just 0.42, highlighting a lack of penetration despite their dominance on the ball.

Wirtz and Gakpo Spark the Revival

The introduction of tactical tweaks at halftime saw Liverpool emerge with renewed intent. The equalizer arrived in the 57th minute through Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker, justifying his massive reputation, produced a moment of pure magic—receiving the ball between the lines and unleashing a curling effort from 25 yards that left Bernd Leno stranded. It was a goal that exemplified his 'tactical intelligence,' finding space where none seemed to exist.

The turnaround seemed complete in the 95th minute when Cody Gakpo bundled home a scrappy finish. The traveling Kop erupted, believing the three points were secured. It was a classic 'ugly' winning goal that often defines title charges, but Fulham refused to capitulate.

Stoppage Time Bedlam

The match exploded in the final seconds. With virtually the last kick of the game in the 97th minute, a cleared corner fell to Harrison Reed on the edge of the box. The midfielder, a player who had scored just three times in over 120 Premier League appearances prior to this match, struck a clean volley through a crowd of bodies to snatch a point. For Fulham, it was a deserved reward for their resilience; for Liverpool, it was a defensive lapse that could prove fatal to their title aspirations.